Your skin is dealing with a lot. UV exposure every day (yes, even in winter). Pollution if you live in a city. Cold wind stripping moisture. Central heating doing the same. Add work stress or poor sleep and your skin barrier starts to struggle.
The good news? A compromised barrier is easy to spot and straightforward to fix. Here's what to watch for and what to do about it.
What actually stresses skin
Environmental factors hit your skin from the outside. UV radiation is the most damaging environmental stressor. While winter UV is significantly lower than summer levels, year-round protection builds the daily habit that prevents cumulative damage over time. Pollution, temperature changes, wind, and indoor heating all chip away at your skin barrier too.
Internal stress matters as well. When you're stressed, your body produces more cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger inflammation and ramp up sebum (oil) production, which can lead to breakouts and blocked pores. They can also stimulate sweat glands, leaving skin dehydrated.
Cold weather deserves special mention. Winter air holds less moisture, and wind physically strips water from your skin surface. Combine that with indoor heating and you get the trifecta: dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity to other irritants.
Signs your skin barrier is compromised
Your skin barrier is your first line of defence. When it's damaged, you'll notice:
Visible redness or inflammation. Dry, tight, or flaky patches. Itchiness or irritation that wasn't there before. Stinging or burning when you apply products (even ones you've used before). Breakouts or increased oiliness. Rosacea flare-ups or worsening eczema. Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes. An overall dull or tired look.
If you're seeing several of these, your barrier needs help.
How to repair it
A damaged barrier needs three things: gentle cleansing, hydration, and protection. The routine is simple. Do it consistently and you'll see improvement within a week or two.
Morning: Rinse your face with water. Apply your SPF 30 Daily Protection Moisturiser. This hydrates and protects against UV (still an important daily stressor, even in winter, and the key to building a protective habit).
Evening: Wash with the Face Cleansing Bar to remove the day's buildup. Apply your Daily Repair Moisturiser before bed to support overnight barrier recovery.
That's it. One product in the morning, two at night. If your skin feels particularly dry, add extra moisturiser whenever needed.
Why this works
The morning SPF stops further UV damage and establishes the daily protection habit that supports long-term skin health. The evening cleanse removes pollution, sweat, and oxidised sebum without stripping. The repair moisturiser gives your barrier the conditions it needs to rebuild overnight.
If you do this for two to three weeks and symptoms persist, see your GP or a dermatologist. Persistent barrier issues can sometimes indicate underlying conditions like rosacea or dermatitis that need specific treatment.
One last thing
Your skin barrier is tougher than you think, but it's not invincible. Environmental stress is constant if you spend time outdoors (or near windows, or in heated rooms). A simple daily habit keeps it in good shape.
Consistent beats complicated. Every time.
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